
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover reads, "You are great the way you are and nothing can stop that no matter what." Interior reads, "I hope you guys feel better. This card is for you and I hope it makes you guys feel better. You guys should be treated the way you are no matter what. Don't let people hurt you. You are stronger than them" and the name "Howard [last name redacted for privacy]." Back cover reads "I wish you the best of luck" with smiling heart.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a heart with floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the partial stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is signed Aden, a kindergarten student. It is nearly illegible due to the young age of the sender.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover reads: "One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go of what you can change." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am so very, very sorry for your loss (losses). I know what it's like to lose someone. I am Camden. I am a student at Goddard Middle School. I am 13. I think that what happened with the shooting was not ok. Just because people have beliefs that are different it doesn't give people the right to do something that.
Printed text of the Hebrew poem "Shalom Aleichem," which is traditionally recited on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels. Translated into English here. Some of the text in the first line of the final stanza has been cut off. Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside contains an illustrated tree, labeled "Tree of Life" and reads: "Tree of Life Members, I am really sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you everyday. May all people that have passed away rest in heaven peacefully, and all that are injured good luck to recovery. May all the souls' hearts that have been broken recover and rejoy: Much Love From, Elaina, Holy Angels Church, 6th Grade."
Letter written on a torn piece of paper. The letter reads: "Olam Chesed Yibaneh (Your steadfast love is confirmed forever). We will build the world with love for you and for all. [Star of David] Shalom Blessings and Love."
Handwritten card written in pencil, blue and purple crayon, on paper. The note is from a seven year old child [name is illegible]. The note reads: "We won't forget how you spread kindness so we will do the same to the world. Be kind all around." An illustration of a globe appears below. Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Staining and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Oral history with Charlene Foggie-Barnett recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Handwritten sign in marker on paper with blue and white zig zag pattern reading: "Love is strong, Hate is wrong." A heart appears in the lower right corner; various illustrations throughout.
Oral history of Shawn Brokos, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May the lord Be with you!" The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with white and purple flecked flowers.
Handwritten note written in black marker on a manilla envelope. Note is addressed to Tree of Life and contains messages in both English and Hebrew.
Summary: The Incline report from first press conference following the October 27 attack. Includes quotes and facts drawn from the comments of several public officials, including Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich, Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, Gov. Tom Wolf, and others.
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The card features a Star of David and reads: "Dear Pittsburgh, I miss you terribly. I miss my home now more then ever. I stand with my city and my Jewish community now and forever. I am sending all my love from DC."
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.